Safety is key for Anzac Day, say police

In the wake of the Christchurch terrorist attacks, only 26 Anzac Day commemoration events and 10 dawn services will be held in Auckland this year.

This compares with 84 events held last year.

Auckland Council, the Auckland District RSAs and police across Auckland have worked together and released a list of Anzac Day events that are going ahead.

In a police statement, Superintendent Karyn Malthus says it is important to reiterate there is no information suggesting public safety is at risk.

“In the current environment police are continuing to provide a visible presence nationwide for the safety and reassurance of the community.”

Police recognise the public will want to commemorate Anzac Day, however public safety is of higher importance.

An RSA media released today says in the current heightened security environment, police will maintain a visible presence at all Anzac events for public reassurance.

Police requested Anzac day events in Auckland be consolidated to ensure ample security is available for all public gatherings.

East Auckland suburb Howick has taken the advice on board and will no longer hold its annual marching parade.

However, the dawn and civic commemoration services held on Stockade Hill will still go ahead at 6:05am and 11am respectively.

Howick local Georgina Williams believes it is understandable but upsetting as the event has always been an exciting day.

“I can understand why its been cancelled, but it is a disappointment and it will be to quite a few people who walk in the parade.

“It’s always a spectacle in Howick, it’s brass band and pipe bands, but I can understand why they’re doing it.”

Dawn services will be on in the following locations:

Wellsford, Warkworth, Browns Bay, Waikumete Cemetery, Waiheke, Auckland Domain, Pukekohe, Howick, Papakura, Manukau Memorial Gardens

Civic Services will be on in the following locations:

Warkworth,Browns Bay, Silverdale, Waikumete Cemetery, Onehunga, Waiheke,Point Chevalier, Auckland Domain, Orakei, Great Barrier, Mt Wellington, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Howick, Ōtāhuhu,Papakura